Andre Villas-Boas says Hugo Lloris is now Tottenham's No.1 goalkeeper

16 December 2012 11:04

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Andre Villas-Boas admits that Hugo Lloris has won the battle with Brad Friedel to be Tottenham Hotspur's first-choice goalkeeper.
Lloris joined Spurs from Lyon before the summer transfer window closed, but initially had to wait for his chance in the Premier League as Villas-Boas kept faith with Friedel.
However, Lloris has started the last five league games, with Villas-Boas confirming veteran keeper Friedel has accepted the situation.
"Yes at the moment you have to say so," said Villas-Boas when asked if Lloris had won the battle to be No.1.
"It was difficult for Hugo at first. We recognise it was not easy for him at that time. There were expectations for him to come straight into the team.
"The transfer was completed just before the Norwich game in August and Brad performed extremely well in that game.
"After that we gave a sequence of games to Brad, using Hugo more in the Europa League, although we included him against Aston Villa to give him experience of Premier League opposition. He was very patient.
"I can see Brad coming back into the team because I certainly respect what he has done for us.
"We are extremely happy with our goalkeepers' competition. When the decision was in favour of Brad, Hugo accepted it and now the decision has fallen in Hugo's favour, Brad accepts it."Villas-Boas, though, did confirm that another of his goalkeepers - Heurelho Gomes - is likely to be leaving White Hart Lane in the January transfer window.
The Spurs boss added: "We don't doubt Gomes' abilities but we are looking for a possible solution in January to help him in his situation.
"With Carlo Cudicini, we have four wonderful goalkeepers."
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